The Story of Spedaletto Castle

Spedaletto Castle and the Via Francigena

The ancient Spedaletto Castle stands in the Val d'Orcia, along the road that leads from Pienza to Bagno Vignoni.

In the Middle Ages, the importance of the Val d'Orcia was mainly linked to the Via Francigena, the main European communication route, which ran along its entire length. In addition to numerous towns and castles, many "Hospitals" also arose along this vital road or nearby.

The Spedaletto Castle is a grand fortified complex built in the 12th century by the cleric Ugolino da Rocchione as a place of hospitality for travelers and "Romei" pilgrims.
From 1263, the complex was administered by the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala in Siena, then called the "Hospital of the Orcia Bridge," now a major museum complex where visitors can admire ancient works and contemporary exhibitions today.

Behind it, the Via Francigena crossed the Orcia River via an ancient bridge, the ruins of which are still visible in the waters today.
This location made the castle even more strategically important, and due to its wealth gained through various donations, its presence began to trouble nearby feudal lords.
The hospital also hosted distinguished travelers such as Charles II of Anjou and Pope Pius II, who issued a papal bull in favor of the church of Spedaletto.

The Castle and Its Architecture

The castle has a square plan with towers at each corner, projecting stone corbels, and battlements running along the entire perimeter, featuring a magnificent fortified entrance gate protected by a powerful keep.
Renovations from the late 15th century are evident, such as the slight battering of much of the wall circuit and the gun loops present in several points.

In the first inner courtyard, immediately to the left of the gate, is the Gothic chapel of the hospital, with a beautiful façade enriched by a rose window and a pointed arch portal. On the right, a second entrance, decorated with stone coats of arms, leads to a second courtyard—the heart of the fortification—from which one can access the keep and the battlement walk.